Soft Furnishing Ideas for Your Conservatory

With our typical Irish summer of lovely days interspersed with some rain and cloud, we thought you might like some soft furnishing ideas for your conservatory. When the weather is warm but too miserable to be outside, the conservatory can be the perfect indoor place to be.

A bridging place between the house and the garden, the conservatory is often furnished with wicker or rattan tables and chairs which give an outdoorsy feel. Decorated with cushions, oilcloths and blinds, link it to the furnishings inside of your home.

As many people only spend time in their conservatory during the summer, it can be a space that is forgotten and so a little neglected. If your conservatory needs a little TLC this summer our some soft furnishing ideas can make it a brighter, more welcoming and comfortable place to sit.

Blinds

The single most defining feature of a conservatory is the glass. The roof is glass, the walls are almost entirely glass, and as a consequence, everything that goes on inside it is visible to the outside observer. Blinds are a great way to add, not only a little privacy but also some shade, both at night and during the day.

Roman and Venetian blinds are a staple solution to the window covering problem. They take up very little room and can be lowered in stages to provide shade. If your conservatory is in full view of passersby and you would relish a little privacy, then vertical blinds are the answer for you. The slats on these make it possible for you to open the blinds a little while still protecting you from prying eyes.

Perhaps the best option for the conservatory is faux wood blinds. These look like wood but are a type of PVC; they are non-porous and so are water-resistant and easy to wipe clean. They are also extremely heat resistant, making them less likely to warp and bow in the heat that can occur in a conservatory.

Oilcloths

Most conservatories contain at least one table. Using an oilcloth is the ideal surface protection. These wipe-clean tablecloths come in a  range of designs. Picking the right style can make the whole overall effect of your conservatory gel together.

Pick one that matches the pattern on your blinds, mats and cushions, or add a single colour that complements them.

Cushions

 Cushions are the ultimate way to add a splash of colour to the conservatory. You can match the cushion covers to the fabric of your blinds and the rest of the room,  or you can go all out and make a statement with a splash of colour that contrasts.

If you need further help and advice with soft furnishing ideas for your conservatory, please feel free to drop in and chat to us at Interior Solutions.

Curtains and Blinds for Summer Sun

Hip, hip, hooray! We are finally into May and the summer has officially arrived. Everyone feels a little lighter and brighter, the birds are singing, and the sun is shining, the barbecue makes an appearance and summer holidays are being planned.

Before you jet off it’s time to add that summer feeling to your home and bring some of the outside inside with new curtains and blinds for summer sun. Take down the thick, cosy curtains of the winter and replace them with stylish roller blinds that are tailor-made to suit your room and your taste in décor, or lighter, airier curtains, if you prefer.

At Interior Solutions, we have decades of experience making blinds and curtains of all types, so why not drop in to see us and have a look through the wide range of fabric choices we have on offer.

These include products from such well-established companies as Prestigious Textiles, Fryetts and Clarke and Clarke.

Prestigious Textiles have three collections that create curtains and blinds for summer

The Riviera Collection – this fabric evokes the feeling of an English cottage garden. With large, impressionistic floral prints in delicate pastels, these are also available as sheers which will allow the sunlight to dance into your room in a delightful way.

The Malibu Collection – this collection is for those of you who dream of holidays in a tropical paradise. With a range of designs including palm fronds, eucalyptus and delicate Ginko leaves, they will have you reaching for the cocktails in no time.

The Tresco Collection – this collection is more traditional. With tiger lily and cherry blossom prints, these fabrics will add a touch of elegance to whichever room you use them in.

Fryetts have a collection of fabric called ‘Happy Days’ which would make ideal curtains and blinds for summer.

‘Foxy’ and ‘Campervan’ would be a great choice for a child’s bedroom – or even as curtains for a caravan or mobile home!

‘Malmo’, with its simple, yet colourful geometric pattern, would make a light curtain for living rooms or older children and adults’ bedrooms.

Clarke and Clarke have a wonderful array of fabric to suit every taste this summer

The Eden Collection – This is a huge collection of designs including hand drawn bees, dragonflies, wild ferns, leaves and flowers, all available in a selection of colours.

The Oasis Collection – Another collection encompassing a large number of designs. These will please the palette of all those who love traditional, rich, country garden type fabrics. There are roses and flowers galore in large prints, or smaller more delicate sizes.

The Exotica Collection – If the opulence and abundance of the jungle, or Tropical Island is your thing, then the Exotica collection was designed for you. Passion flowers, birds of paradise and other exotic plants and wildlife beckon for you to lose yourself in their luxurious designs and imagine yourself in an amazing tropical setting.

If you can’t wait to bring a breath of fresh air to your curtains and blinds for summer, call in to Interior Solutions, Carrigaline, we’ll be happy to help you choose the perfect fabric.

New Year – New Look for Your Home

Well, now that the Christmas festivities are over and all of the sparkle and glitter of the decorations have been put away for another year, is your house looking a little dismal?

It’s time for a new look for your home.

If you feel that any of the rooms in your home could benefit from a bit of a revamp to add a little brightness in the dying days of winter, and if you want to start a new year with a new look, read on.

We have a host of new fabrics from top fabric companies, Prestigious Textiles, Clarke and Clarke and Fryetts, plus many more for you to choose from when you call into our Carrigaline shop.  Plus we have some money saving tips if you want a new look but are on a tight budget until payday comes round after a loooong January!

Bold colours teamed with strong geometric designs

If you are used to décor that is fairly plain and non-patterned in your home, one way in which you can jazz things up this year is to have a look at the new ‘Rio’ collection from Prestigious Textiles. They have taken bold colours and teamed them with strong geometric designs. The colourways are available as combinations of zinging pinks, greens and yellows. However, if you don’t feel brave enough to go for such a vibrant fabric, there is a more subtle pastel range of dusky pinks, pale blues and pale greens to tempt you.

If you do not wish to make over an entire room, either due to budget constraints, or because you feel that ‘less is more’; then why not use one or two of these fabrics to make some new cushion covers. These will spice up a dull corner, or give a sofa a bit of a facelift.

For a more sumptuous, distinguished look

Clarke and Clarke have a range of new collections to choose from which are guaranteed to satisfy any taste. For the more sumptuous look there are velvets in bold, deep colours from the ‘Martello’ collection. Whether you hang new curtains; cover a single chair, or go for a complete overhaul of the whole room with cushions thrown in for good measure, this is a look that is distinguished, yet contemporary and will look amazing in any home.

If you favour a brighter look, more in keeping with the upcoming spring, then the ‘Oriental Garden’ collection is the one for you. Printed on cotton/linen fabric, these vibrant florals can be teamed with a simple trellis design to add a modern feel to your home.

The ‘Scandi’ collection

For a look that truly looks forward to the spring take a look at Fryett’s ‘Scandi’ collection. With its concentration on ochres, blues, greys, and burnt orange, added to a contemporary floral design it will brighten any home and push away the heavy feeling of the long, dark winter evenings.

Again, if on a budget consider adding a few touches to your room – use tie backs on your curtains; throw in some new cushion covers.

Even the smallest change can make a big difference. Why not drop into the shop for some expert advice on how to make the most of what’s new on a budget that you can afford?

Interior Furnishing Ideas for Christmas

As we head into the festive season once again, we are being bombarded from all sides with decorations of all shapes and sizes – tinsel; baubles; glitter; garlands; etc.

These are all wonderful ways of adding a touch of extra sparkle to your home; however if you are striving to achieve a more enduring effect, we have some great interior furnishing ideas for Christmas using fabrics.

Over the years there have been many different colour combinations that are the ‘in’ thing for that particular winter. Whether it is the enduring traditional combination of reds and greens; the more unusual pairings of blue and silver; or red teamed with white, along with the more subtle Nordic neutral tones; there is a look out there for everyone.

Now, it is not necessary to redecorate an entire room from top to bottom, every winter in order to achieve your desired look. It is possible to create a whole new feel to a room with the addition of curtains, cushions, and even an oilcloth for the table.

At Interior Solutions, Carrigaline, we have years of experience in both advising on interior design and in actually manufacturing curtains and blinds to order. If you are unsure how to go about making your interior furnishings ideas for Christmas a reality, we are ideally qualified to help you so feel free to drop in for a chat.

Curtains

Your choice of curtains will make a huge difference to the feel of a room and there are so many different fabrics, poles, etc to choose from; thick brocades; velvets; linens. However, just adding a lining to existing curtains will make an immediate difference to any room. The extra layer of fabric helps to keep heat in the room, rather than letting it escape through the windows. You can also add an extra layer of interest by jazzing up your curtains with the addition of a tie back.

Cushions are perfect when it comes to interior furnishing ideas for Christmas

Cushions

No matter what your taste may be, you will always be able to find a cushion to suit your own particular needs from the thousands of designs that are available. Whether they are solid block colours, have geometric patterns or a picture; mounds of cushions artfully scattered along the sofas or piled in an armchair will give the illusion of warmth, comfort and decadent luxury to any room.

Wallpaper

If you do decide to go the whole hog and redecorate just before Christmas, you can add a festive feel to your room by using rich reds and burgundies or deep greens. These will provide the perfect backdrop to the Christmas tree; garlands; wreaths and all the Christmas trappings. Not only for Christmas, rich colours like these can make your home look beautiful all year round.

Oilcloths

Oilcloths are a great way to give a table a layer of protection from cup rings, scoring and scratching. They are available in a myriad of patterns and colours and so you can choose some that you use purely at Christmas time, thereby adding to the festive feel of your room.

If you are struggling to come up with interior furnishing ideas for Christmas, then feel free to drop in to Interior Solutions, Carrigaline, where we will be delighted to help with all of your enquiries.

What’s New in Curtain Fabrics for Autumn?

Have you seen what’s new in curtain fabrics for autumn? No matter how sad it may be to wave farewell to the long balmy evenings of the summer; there is still a great deal of pleasure to be gained from drawing the curtains on dark autumn and winter nights, and cocooning yourself in the warmth of a cosy living room, while you snuggle on the sofa in front of a crackling fire.

Whilst many people may use the same curtains all year round, it is a good idea to consider having two sets – summer curtains and winter curtains. Summer curtains, due to the increase in temperature, can be light and airy, but winter curtains should be made from a heavier fabric, or have a lining. A great deal of heat can be lost through windows in the wintertime, so having a dedicated set of winter curtains will help to reduce your heating bills, especially if you draw them at dusk and tuck them behind the radiators to ensure that the heat radiates into the room.

At Interior Solutions Carrigaline, we have more than fifty years of experience custom-making curtains that are tailor-made to fit your specifications. We are currently stocking up on our new autumn/winter fabric collections so if you are considering updating your drapes for the colder months, why not take a look at some of the items that we have on offer.

With such a large range of curtain fabrics for autumn, there’s something for every home.

We stock various brands of fabric including lines from Clarke and Clarke, and Prestigious Textiles, so you are sure to find something to suit your taste and that matches your décor.

The latest trends seem to be pointing to the fact that berry shades will be the ‘in’ thing this autumn. Warm reds, mulberry and burgundy will certainly add a touch of class and a feeling of warmth and cosiness to any room. That isn’t to say that your new curtains have to be solid colours. There are plenty of fabrics that can showcase these particular colours through geometric patterns or picture prints, all you have to do is to make your choice and we can make your curtains.

The Hemingway Collection from Prestigious Textiles is a prime example of a fabric that can add a touch of luxury to your home, pairing drapes with bold patterning, or delicate prints with the existing furniture in your home. Prestigious Textiles has earned a reputation for the originality and outstanding quality of its furnishing fabrics and wallpapers, and they are at the cutting edge of design.

If you favour a more minimalistic look to your soft furnishings and home decoration, then you should opt for the Clarke and Clarke collection of linens. These are available in a range of neutral shades so you will easily be able to find a shade that complements your furnishing.

Whatever your preference may be, drop into Interior Solutions Carrigaline and have a chat with us.

We can steer you through the choices available and provide you with the autumn window dressing that your house deserves.

Wave Curtains in Cork - All You Need To Know

Do you like to be ‘on trend’ when it comes to curtains for your home? Read on to find out all you need to know about Wave Curtains in Cork!

Your choice of curtains can make or break the feel of your room. Choosing a colour or pattern to match your décor is important, but so is managing the way in which the fabric falls and drapes, and how any pattern is displayed. There are many different methods for hanging curtains using poles, tapes, tabs, and eyelets, etc., but Wave Curtains are a new method that has recently become popular.

Wave Curtains – a contemporary window dressing

This contemporary window dressing reflects the current trend towards smooth, rounded shapes and curves in interior design. It is a modern alternative to traditional window dressing methods.

Wave curtains are very versatile and they can give your home a stylish, yet relaxed feel. They are fitted to a track inside a pole specifically designed for the job. This system enables you to cover tall windows, or any windows with only limited space above them in which to fit a curtain pole. In actual fact, it is possible to have your wave curtains fitted to the ceiling rather than to the window frame. This can give the illusion of larger windows.

The wave is created by a combination of a specially designed curtain header tape and a wave glider cord that is held within the curtain track. This arrangement allows you to limit how the curtain fabric is drawn out so that you end up with a continuous, sinuous wave.

Wave Curtains in Cork for a stylish minimalistic look

This method allows for a simple, minimalistic look that is exceptionally versatile unlike conventional poles.

·         It prevents the curtain fabric from becoming bunched up

·         You can use this system with pelmets

·         The track can be bent around to fit bay windows

With two sizes of heading available; the 80cm wave, which produces a deeper wave and the 60cm wave, which is more suited to smaller windows. This curtaining method is suitable for all sizes and types of windows in your home.

The way in which the wave header draws back your curtains results in very neat folds. However this does depend on the thickness of the fabric that you choose. A thinner fabric will obviously fold more neatly than a thick, stiff fabric which may not drape so easily.

There is no standard test for fabric suitability for the Wave system, though it is generally accepted that the following fabrics are usable without any significant problems:

·         Voiles

·         Interlined silk

·         Borders

·         Lined cotton

·         Blackout lining

It would be advisable to steer clear of the following:

·         Stiff fabrics

·         Heavily embroidered fabric

·         Irregular vertical stripes

·         Metallic thread

Not sure if your choice of fabric would lend itself to the Wave System?

Try this simple test

Fold the fabric back and forth in a wave and hold it together at the top. If it hangs straight the fabric should be suitable. If the fabric bells outwards, it should be avoided, as the curtains will not drape properly.

If you think that the Wave System may be for you, Interior Solutions in Carrigaline have a huge range of suitable fabrics and are the Wave Curtains Cork experts. 

Contact us here or call in to the shop where our experienced team are happy to help!